Media Bias: Finding It, Fixing It

Citation

Doldi, L. (2008), "Media Bias: Finding It, Fixing It", Online Information Review, Vol. 32 No. 1, pp. 121-122. https://doi.org/10.1108/14684520810868108

Media bias is a topic which can spark strong debate, and it has been subject of several books. However, while most books have been written with the author's own biased perspective, this new book – so maintain the authors ‐ attempts to put all the arguments into perspective and to answer the question of how much bias really exists in the media and what kind of bias it is. The authors' point of view is a non‐polemical perspective and they strongly attempt “to be as fair as possible in dealing with all arguments”.

The introductory chapter remarks on the importance of audience perception about bias in the media. This perception should not be underestimated, because it is the symptom of a severe credibility crisis the media are experiencing. But, as media are important to a strong democracy where the system can work just with well‐informed citizens, then it is rather important to re‐establish the trust of the readers. And if media are really biased, than it is important to recognise it and to restore balance and fairness.

For the purpose of the book the authors do not concentrate on one strict meaning of the term. Instead, “bias” has been defined as any of the following characteristics: partiality, one‐sidedness, unbalanced presentation or selection, tendency that prevents a fair and balanced approach, personalised unreasoned judgment, preference, emotional leaning on one side. Further, the notion of bias is considered within the American cultural context and cultural norms.

Different chapters cover several controversial topics, including abortion, politics, religion, gender, race, crime and environment. Each chapter is written by different authors, and each chapter is structured in three sections. The first section presents the different views on the issue and the arguments for and against the specific bias. Arguments are mostly taken from the daily press. The way some facts have been reported by the press is interpreted as biased or not from different interest groups. These points of view are described in detail. Most famous American newspapers have been analysed. After presenting the arguments, the author analyses the evidence that each side provides, including both strengths and weaknesses. This part has been emphasised, attempting to assess the credibility of each argument. Then a brief suggestion of what journalist should or could do to eliminate bias is given, and finally the chapter provides a list of most pointed works on the topic.

Most facts are taken from USA press, and the book has a strong American focus. Nevertheless, it has the broader value of recalling the critical role to our culture and to a strong democracy of fair, unbiased news media and of emphasising that this tradition of balance and fairness should be important to everyone.